Tampa, Florida (October 5, 2017) – The Salvation Army Florida Division continues to serve and support all Salvation Army units in Florida actively involved in the statewide relief effort. The Salvation Army of Florida has 9 canteens (mobile feeding units) that are serving in two locations in the state of Florida. Other support vehicles including refrigerated vehicles.

FT. MYERS

The Disaster Response Team worked out of 2 mobile feeding canteens handing out around 11,000 snacks, 595 prepared meals, 1,700 bottled waters, 90 tarps and a variety of baby supplies to people in the LaBelle and Bonita Springs area. To date, over 170,000 meals have been prepared and served; 8,299 cleaning kits and 4,762 hygiene supplies have been given out; and 132,250 baby supply boxes were distributed in the Fort Myers area.

Majors Tim and Cheryl Gilliam, Area Commanders, are working to meet the recovery efforts of the community and continues to assist those effected through the five social service centers.

NAPLES – COLLIER COUNTY

The Salvation Army in Collier County has transitioned into the Recovery Phase 1, while distributing food and water to Collier County residents. In Collier County alone, there are 4 Mobile Canteen (mobile kitchen) Units in use; 2 Cargo Trucks; 4 Trailers; 14 Roving Support Vehicles; 4 UTV’s.

The Salvation Army in Collier County has served over 80,000 hot meals, over 100,000 bottles of water and juice, and has additionally served over 5,000 hygiene and baby kits.

The Salvation Army has made 7,000 emotional and spiritual care contacts.

Major Dan Proctor, The Salvation Army Naples Area Coordinator will be working with local officials and organizations to assess the needs of the community recovery efforts.

New Update: The Salvation Army Florida Division has prepared and distributed 928,677 meals; made 15.631 emotional and spiritual care contacts with the support of 4,366 volunteers giving 336,615 service hours from officers, employees, and volunteers. 143,335 baby supply kits were given out and 19,986 cleaning and hygiene kits have been distributed.

About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the U.S. More than 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). The Salvation Army has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900. The Salvation Army does not place an administrative fee on disaster donations. During emergency disasters, 100 percent of designated gifts are used to support specific relief efforts. For more information, go to www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.